23rd - 26th May 2025,
SEC Glasgow

Erskine

erskine

Join Erskine Veterans Charity at the Ideal Home Show Scotland2025! 

Come along and see them kick off this year’s show with a spectacular opening parade, led by the ever-popular Corporal Cruachan IV—the cheeky Shetland pony and beloved mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland—accompanied by the Renfrewshire Schools’ Pipe Band, serving personnel, and cadets.

Visit Erskine at stand G255, you can’t miss them, as this year they have a full-size decommissioned tank, for all the military buffs out there! 

Step back in time to the street parties of VE Day 1945 as they commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Helping them recreate the atmosphere are the dancers from Boogie Box Jive. As well as the Combined Forces Living History Group and the fantastic Commando D Living Group.

Along with celebrating the joy and overwhelming sense of relief, they also remember the fear, hardship, and loss endured by those who lived through those years. Hear first-hand accounts from our Veterans, sharing their powerful stories of life during World War II.

For over a century, Erskine has been at the heart of Veteran care in Scotland, providing unwavering support to those who served. Whether you're a long-time supporter or discovering our work for the first time, they invite you to stop by, connect with history, and see how Erskine continues to support Veterans today.

Don’t miss this unique and moving experience!

 

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What is VE Day?

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is observed on 8th May each year to commemorate the formal surrender of Germany in 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

This day is a time to honour the courage and sacrifice of those not who only served in the Armed Forces but those keeping the home fires burning and the country from grinding to a standstill. In 2025, Erskine will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. There are now very few surviving WWII Veterans, but their stories must live on as an important reminder of their sacrifices, and the importance of ensuring such dark times are never repeated.

The History of VE Day

On 7th May 1945, Germany officially surrendered, bringing an end to WWII. Winston Churchill addressed the nation on the 8th May declaring the end of war, sparking celebrations across the country. Street parties took place, people embraced strangers and music played in the streets, with many gathering in George Square in Glasgow, and in Princes Street in Edinburgh.

However, it was a day of mixed emotions. For those who had lost loved ones in the conflict, it was a time to reflect. Many people mourned the death of loved ones and relatives, or worried about those who were still overseas. For many, the jubilation as people celebrated VE Day was too much to bear and not something they could take part in.

In Britain, the strain wartime life, air raids, and the impact of rationing all left their mark on a weary population who knew there were more difficulties yet to come. Although the war in Europe was over, fighting continued in the Pacific until Japan's surrender (VJ Day) on 15th August 1945.

VE Day at Erskine

Erskine Veterans Charity work hard to ensure that the sacrifices made by WWII Veterans are never forgotten. They are proud to share the stories of Veterans and their families from this era, serving as a poignant reminder of the hardships of war and the importance of ensuring such tragedies are never repeated. Throughout Erskine, Veterans will be able to join in with the many events marking the end of war in Europe. The commemoration of VE Day events will end as they began 80 years ago - with street party celebrations, to which Veterans, staff, families, volunteers will attend.

The memory of all of those that served must be preserved, our stories must be shared when we are gone, and as a country we must educate the youth to ensure that the world never sees a repeat of the events of World War II and D-Day. It’s our duty to keep the past alive, so history does not repeat its darkest days.

- Albert Lamond (99) – D-Day Veteran

 

A Tank, a Party, and a Tribute – Erskine’s Stand Has It All!

Erskine have rolled in a full-size decommissioned tank that’s sure to turn heads, plus a vintage military-themed set-up packed with nostalgia. Step into Erskine VE Day 1945 street party and soak up the atmosphere with live performances from Boogie Box Jive dancers and the Combined Forces Living History Group and Commando D. It’s a powerful, moving, and totally unmissable tribute to 80 years since Victory in Europe Day!

Come and discover how Erskine continues to support veterans and their families today.
 

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